Rose-killing virus spreads through Kansas City area

Kansas City, MO -- Gardeners have seen a large increase of the rose-killing virus rose rosette this year, forcing some to tear out their bushes, reports the Kansas City Star.

The news outlet is also reporting that landscapers, garden centers and master gardeners have seen an increase in the disease over the past five years.

The disease has no cure, and experts recommend digging up and destroying the affected plants. Some use miticides to keep the disease from spreading, but the mites live deep in the plant and will not be exterminated that way.

Symptoms of rose rosette include red leaves, an increase in thorn production and excessive stem growth.